Footnotes

D.C.M. London Gazette 16.12.1943.

Sgt Boyle came into the field as a Platoon Serjeant. After a short period he took over command of a Platoon and led his Platoon in action at Donbaik, Burma, on 18th March, displaying coolness and skill.

He later led his Platoon into action at Taungmaw, Burma on 28th March. His initiative and skill resulted in his Platoon reaching its objective. Later in the day he was surrounded by the enemy and once again his coolness and exceptional control over his men enabled the Platoon to remain in position for 7 hours without suffering casualties. When ordered to rejoin his Company, his brilliant leadership enabled his Platoon to get back from a most dangerous position again without the loss of a single man. Throughout the campaign, Sgt Boyle's inexhaustible energy, his steadiness under fire, personal courage and really brilliant leadership, have been of inestimable value to his superior Commanders and a fine example and encouragement to his men.

Bar to the D.C.M. London Gazette 22.6.1944.

On 7th April 1944, at Dongyaung, Burma, C/Sgt Boyle was ordered to command a Pl in an attack on a Jap position, owing to a shortage of Pl Commanders.The first objective was taken, and the second objective, about 150 feet higher was still to be tackled. The leading Pl suffered heavy casualties in attempting the assault. C/Sgt Boyle on his own initiative brought up his reserve Pl. and on being ordered to assault, led his men up a jungle clad precipice which was covered by enemy fire. He led the way cutting the jungle and making a path, encouraging his men with battle cries. At the top, the hill was bare and the enemy brought accurate fire to bear on it. C/Sgt Boyle found he had only ten men available owing to casualties, and knew that there might be further enemy along the ridge. At once he continued in face of cross fire and ran along the open ridge to the end. He took 20 Japs by suprise, who were running out. For 10 minutes he organised accurate fire and killed at least 10 of the enemy, himself firing 50 rounds from his rifle. Having turned the enemy off the ridge, he and a L/Cpl continued down the North slope. This was bare and a Jap M.G. opened up on him and he had no cover. He remained in that position, returning the fire for 5 minutes and then withdrew. He organised his men and reported the last objective clear.During the next 24hrs, C/Sgt Boyle's behaviour was outstanding. He repeatedly visited his forward men to give them food and ammo every time drawing enemy fire. He assisted in rescuing a wounded man who had been hit by an enemy M.G. and whilst doing so was under fire. When heavily shelled he remained with his Coy Comd, and went around giving encouragement to his men. C/Sgt Boyle's leadership was of the very highest order. He led his men with great gallantry, he held them together by his cheerfulness and amazing example, and when finally ordered to withdraw, he withdrew them in an orderly and efficient manner. His conduct was an inspiration to his whole Coy. For his rank he showed outstanding skill, a sense of duty and powers of leadership of the very highest order.

The lot includes a selection of nine photographs of him, including him at Buckingham Palace where he is wearing a riband bar and the DCM and rosette on the riband is clearly visible, other photographs include some of him in uniform during the war as well as post-war ones where he is seen wearing his medals. A letter from General Slim who at the time was Commander in Chief 14th Army. Buckingham Palace Investiture ticket. Typed Citations. Newspaper cutting. Letter from Major A.W.Innes written to Boyle's wife letting her know that Boyle would be returning to the UK soon and commenting on what a fine soldier he is.

A total of only 9 DCM and bars were awarded during WW2 and this is unique to the Lincolnshire Regiment.

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